Common Signs and Symptoms
There are several stages of dementia, with the experience different for each person. In all types of dementia, memory problems are the early signs.
The deterioration in cognitive skills is gradual and in later stages, daily activities will become increasingly challenging without assistance.
Signs and Symptoms (ABCDs) Across Stages of Dementia
Keeping track of your loved one’s signs and symptoms of dementia can help you identify the condition’s progression.
These behaviours are also a result of their condition, and understanding this can help you, as the caregiver, better understand why these changes are taking place, and how you can manage them.
Stages Of Dementia
Mild
- Still able to care for self in basic activities of daily living, i.e. personal hygiene, dressing
- But may have some difficulty with taking public transportation, Money management, Preparing meals
Moderate
- Requires assistance with dressing, personal hygiene, feeding, etc.
- High risk of falling
Advanced
- Unable to care for own hygiene, feeding oneself, going to the toilet, taking a shower.
- Likely to have mobility issues, could be bed-bound
Mild
- Apathy; lack of interest in activities they used to engage in
- Rapid mood changes
Moderate
- Wandering
- Repetitive actions/questions
- Sleep reversal
- Frustration at not being able to communicate well
- May appear depressed, easily agitated, suspicious
Advanced
- Crying, shouting or repetitive vocalisation as a means to communicate needs
- Refusing care due to confusion
Mild
- Forgetfulness (short-term memory loss)
- Reduced judgement
- Difficulty in following storylines and conversations
- Impaired abstract thinking
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Misplacing things
Moderate
- Vague long-term memory
- Unable to recognise certain family members
- Difficulty in communication due to one’s repetitive speech or inability to understand contexts
- Unable to remember own address or phone number
Advanced
- Unable to recognise current self
- Unable to communicate through language. May also be uncommunicative. Sometimes unresponsive
- Unable to recognise common objects
Mild
- Occasionally feeling disoriented, but able to navigate between frequently visited places
Moderate
- Gets confused with concept of time
- Gets lost in familiar places
Advanced
- Unable to differentiate day and night
Need More Information?
For more information, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association Website here. If you need advice or support on dementia, you may email ccmh@aic.sg.
Learn More
Here are more resources about dementia